What do you do if your AI expertise isn't reflected in your salary?

If you’re an ML engineer you are in high demand, this post is not for you. But if you’re a digital jack-of-all-trades, a creative obsessed with genAI trying to make it your “thing”, don’t think that because you are good at using “AI tools” or “good at prompting” you’re going to get a six-figure job. You’re not. Yes, genAI is hot and sizzling, and we can put together a wild portfolio using it, but to get a good paying job you need to show more about YOU. What are YOU bringing? If in 5 years AI can do most of the technical execution part of your job under your direction, your ability to imagine, plan, empathize, think, reflect, direct, lead, etc. is more important than ever. Great humans will always be in high demand. Be a great human.

Remember the PIE IS LARGE! Assess Market Value: Research industry standards to understand your worth based on skills and experience. Document Achievements: Compile a list showcasing your AI projects and contributions to demonstrate your value. Initiate Dialogue: Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your salary concerns professionally. Highlight Value: Emphasize how your AI expertise adds value to the company's success and bottom line. Use your research and achievements as leverage during salary negotiations. Explore Alternatives: Consider bonuses, promotions, or professional development opportunities if salary adjustments are challenging. Stay open to external opportunities that offer fair compensation for your AI expertise.

If your AI expertise isn't reflected in your salary, take proactive steps to address it. Negotiate with your employer for a salary increase, providing evidence of your contributions and the market value of your skills. Consider seeking opportunities for advancement or switching to a company that values your expertise appropriately. Alternatively, explore freelance or consulting opportunities where your expertise can command higher compensation.

Begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your current job role, responsibilities, and the unique value you add to your organization. Consider factors such as the complexity of the AI projects you handle, the innovations you’ve introduced, and the efficiency improvements you’ve achieved. Research the prevailing industry standards for salaries in AI roles similar to yours, taking into account your level of experience, education, and geographic location. This will give you a solid foundation for understanding where your salary should stand in comparison to the market.

The initial step in career assessment involves an objective analysis of one's current status, comparing personal salary with market standards for similar roles, skills, and experience. Utilizing online platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed, and networking for insights, aids in understanding the pay landscape for AI professionals. Honest self-reflection on one’s capabilities, contributions, and career ambitions is essential for informed decision-making and strategic career planning.

Getting multiple offers is by far the best way to have an upper hand at negotiation. Having said that, people can negotiate even when they don’t have another offer. If your AI skills aren’t reflected in your paycheck, my approach is very simple: The best way to do it is to show them that you’re overqualified for the role. And that’s why you deserve more. Go back to the job post and your notes from the interviews. Document everything that makes you look better than what they asked for. Prepare 3-4 points to make your case. Here is the order of “ease of negotiation” for different salary components:?Stocks > Sign-on bonus > Base salary > Relocation > Annual bonus It’s very rare to negotiate relocation and annual bonuses. Focus on first three

Discovering you are underpaid necessitates preparing for salary negotiation, viewing it as a dialogue rather than a conflict. It's crucial to articulate your worth and expectations with clarity and confidence. Researching negotiation tactics, practicing your approach with someone trusted, and envisioning potential scenarios are key steps to effectively advocate for a fair compensation, aligning your remuneration with your value and contributions.

If your AI expertise isn't mirrored in your paycheck, it's crucial to advocate for yourself. Start by comparing your salary with the market rate for similar roles. Armed with data, confidently discuss your value and achievements with your employer, highlighting how your skills contribute to the company's goals. If direct salary increase discussions don't yield results, consider other forms of compensation, like bonuses or professional development opportunities. Remember, exploring new job opportunities is also an option to ensure your compensation matches your worth.

Start negotiation by research the right salary for your type of work, make sure you know what your colleagues are being paid currently. The best thing is to make sure you have alternatives, such as another offer or lead. Be prepared to set a future date to negotiate again if it doesn’t go your way.

Know your worth, then add tax. Your expertise is an investment, not an expense. With a clear understanding of your worth, approach salary negotiations with confidence. Prepare a well-structured argument that showcases your achievements, skills, and the tangible benefits your work has brought to the company. Be ready to present specific examples that highlight your contribution to key projects or initiatives. Remember, negotiation is a two-way conversation, so be open to listening to your employer’s perspective and be prepared to find common ground.

Continuously enhance your AI expertise by staying updated with the latest developments in the field. Take online courses, attend conferences, or pursue certifications to demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. The more you enhance your skills, the stronger your bargaining power becomes.

In the fast-evolving field of AI, staying ahead means being a lifelong learner. Identify areas where you can enhance your expertise, whether it’s deepening your knowledge in a specific AI domain or branching out into new areas like AI ethics or quantum machine learning. Consider enrolling in advanced courses, obtaining certifications, or attending relevant workshops and conferences. Improving your skills not only makes you more valuable to your current employer but also more marketable in the industry.

100% if you have developed valuable AI Skills that enhance your productivity and business value, but your employer is not acknowledging or rewarding you for that enhancement then communicate, make it clear to your employer that you wish to level up your career with them or another company if they are not aligned to using AI in the ways you see potential for.

Venturing beyond the familiar, consider sculpting your career path with the clay of your skills and passions, aiming for roles that not only fit like a glove but also enrich you financially and professionally. Whether morphing within your current habitat, branching out into new corporate ecosystems, or crafting your own professional universe, let platforms like LinkedIn or AngelList be your compass in the AI landscape. Forge your narrative, curate your showcase, and weave through the network of AI cognoscenti, turning connections into stepping stones, leading to realms of untapped potential and prosperity.

If your efforts to negotiate a fair salary are unsuccessful, it may be time to explore new job opportunities. Look for positions that value your AI expertise and offer a salary that reflects your skills and experience. Utilize job search platforms, reach out to recruiters specializing in AI, and tap into your professional network to find roles that are a good fit for your career aspirations.

Consider roles within your organization or venture into new industries. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn and AngelList for AI job searches, or showcase your skills through a personal portfolio. Networking is key—connect with AI professionals and mentors to unlock opportunities. Whether it’s a new job or starting a freelance journey, aligning your career path with your value and interests can lead to more fulfilling and financially rewarding opportunities.

Learning is part of your job. Having more knowledge and experience about AI doesn't necessarily add to the bottom line for your employer. Despite the current hype around AI, executives focus on actual benefits and will pay their staff what makes sense for the business and to continue attracting talent. Sure, market demand dictates salaries, but just having an understanding of AI doesn't necessarily equate to being paid more. How about building AI tools or automations that actually drive value for the company, generate results - then re-visiting this conversation? Alternatively, depending on your role, you could make a proposal to your boss that provides a tangible, quantifiable revenue or efficiency target to justify a performance bonus?

While it’s important to strive for a salary that matches your expertise, it’s also crucial to manage your expectations realistically. Understand the economic factors that may influence salary ranges, such as the health of the industry, the financial stability of your company, and general market conditions. Set achievable goals for salary growth, and be prepared to make a case for incremental increases over time.

Sometimes, the value of a job isn’t solely in the salary. Look at the full range of benefits offered, such as health insurance, retirement plans, stock options, professional development allowances, work-life balance options, and other perks. These benefits can add significant value to your overall compensation package and should be factored into your considerations.

Reflect on the non-monetary aspects of your current position. If you enjoy the work environment, the company culture, or the potential for career advancement, it may be worth weighing these factors alongside your salary. Additionally, consider discussing your concerns with a mentor or seeking guidance from a career counselor to gain further insight into your specific situation.

As AI continues to revolutionize industries, remember that your growing expertise lays the groundwork for tomorrow's needed skills. If your salary doesn't yet reflect the value you add today, consider looking to the future. Position yourself as a pioneer and a potential leader in the field, offering to lead projects that showcase your advanced understanding of AI. Create opportunities for your employer that come directly from your AI skills and efforts. This builds a case for your invaluable role as you continue to invest in your future. Now, you are not just looking for a salary that reflects your current worth; you are creating the standards that define what you could potentially earn tomorrow - potentially much more.